2023 in the rearview mirror…
2023 is a monumental year for CAWM, at the beginning of 2023, CAWM was navigating through turbulent changes. However, with the renewed commitment of a brand-new leadership team, we embarked on a transformative journey. In a short time span, we've expanded from merely 3 board members to a team of 9, supported by a 12-member organizing committee overseeing weekly operations.
Over the past year, more than 70 volunteers have lent their time and energy to our cause, and tonight, we're grateful to have 80 volunteers on site. Together, we've orchestrated 15 "Connect Communities through Culture" events and activities in local communities and facilities, either independently or in partnership, all offered free to the public. As of December 2023, CAWM has earned the distinction of becoming a certifying organization for the President's Volunteer Service Award. Additionally, we've been honored to receive multiple grants from various private and government agencies, recognizing and supporting our contributions to the Western Massachusetts community.
We're immensely proud of what we accomplished in 2023. As we step into 2024, bolstered by newfound confidence as a volunteer-run nonprofit organization, we eagerly anticipate offering even more engaging and free programs to the Western Massachusetts community.
We extend heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has supported us through thick and thin, and to those who will join us as new members. Let's collaborate to cultivate our home in Western Mass into a safe, vibrant, and family-friendly environment where everyone can thrive.
Happy 2024! Next, the Year of the Dragon awaits!
! 🫶🫶- CAWM Board and Event Organizaing Committee
回首2023，展望2024：岁月留痕，未来可期
⌛️转年之际，回顾过去，展望新春，2023是麻西华协飞速变化和成功发展的一年📈。
2022-2023年间，麻西华协经历、并进行了内部调整，在继续作为非政治、非宗教、非赢利民间社团，服务于麻省西部华人社区的宗旨下，重新构建了核心领导，更新、规范了协会章程及组织的行动准则，明确了前行使命，并吸收了充满活力的新鲜血液，得以在危机下重生并发展壮大。
💪新一届理事会励精图治，加强与当地不同社区、族群的民间社团组织和家庭的直接联系，举办各种公义、公益活动，宣扬中华的传承和文化，在麻西当地增强了的华人群体的存在和认同感，促进了不同种族间的交流，并以实际的公益付出获得政府、民间和媒体的认可及关注，并从多渠道获得经费资助。而且在社区内部调动了大家的积极性，鼓励了众多志愿者的参与，包括年青的一代。在增进了人们之间了解与友谊的同时，也促进了华人社区内的活力。
🎞️2023年一年当中，除了成功举办元宵文化游园会，华协参与并举办了以下免费公益文化活动：
Wilbraham 老人院春节慰问
国际妇女节春田庆祝会
AMHERST公立学校语言遗产庆祝
在多个当地图书馆出展美国华裔历史墙
Old Sturbridge 古董路秀
Amherst人权委员会亚洲及太平洋𡷊文化传承月庆典
集资并组办社区龙舟队及为社区人员提供划龙船体验机会
在不同市镇图书馆举办中秋文化三部曲
春田龙舟赛
志愿者／赞助商赏秋酬谢会
👏👏👏能在2023短短一年有如此大的发展，除了为协会悉心奉献的理事会和组委会同仁、志愿者骨干，出席支持活动的家庭，还和每一位慷慨解囊、提供资金赞助的商家和个人难以分割💐。在最困难的时刻，任何一种形式的支持对当时的我们来说都是对不放弃的激励，和对更加努力的鼓舞。华协属于麻西华人社区的所有人，我们的模式就是志愿者领导、志愿者管理、志愿者推动，和志愿者合作，从社区中来，服务于社区。
🎉2024是农历龙年，龙腾虎跃的新年🎊。华协将继续在当地推进文化交流和连接，树立良好形象，同时为社区谋取福利。让我们大家团结在一起，齐心协力，关注关爱社区，通过参与改善社区生活环境、促进公平正义、关心并带动华人社区青少年的成长、促进华人企事业的成展，为建设美丽、温馨又充满活力的家园而共同努力💞。
祝大家新年快乐,心想事成🧧！
CAWM理事会组委会全体成员